Local manufacturing to gain support

Otero County Economic Development Coordinator Bryan Bryant presented a letter of support for the Southern Colorado Manufacturing Consortium at Monday's Otero County Commissioners meeting.

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By Bette McFarrenbmcfarren@ljtdmail.com

LA Junta Tribune - La Junta, CO

By Bette McFarrenbmcfarren@ljtdmail.com

Posted Mar. 27, 2013 at 5:00 PM

By Bette McFarrenbmcfarren@ljtdmail.com

Posted Mar. 27, 2013 at 5:00 PM

Otero County Economic Development Coordinator Bryan Bryant presented a letter of support for the Southern Colorado Manufacturing Consortium. This letter goes to Robert Olson, regional director at the Economic Development Association, Denver office, who has the responsibility of distributing funds for the President's National Network for Manufacturing Innovation. The Southern Colorado Manufacturing Consortium and Center of Manufacturing Excellence in southern Colorado works well with Otero County's goals of supporting and retaining manufacturing businesses and creating jobs by attracting manufacturing and supply chain business to the county. The center will compile information about sites available and workforce in each of the southern Colorado areas served and spread the information throughout a wide area of influence.

Bryant continued in his letter: "Southern Colorado is a stronghold for intellectual, technological and manufacturing workforces, with over 20 Fortune One Hundred firms present, hundreds of available industrial properties and a strong network of workforce centers and colleges for training." The commissioners signed the letter.

Treasurer Dennis Smith presented the semiannual treasurer's report, showing an ending balance of $11,450,064.90. The money which comes through the treasurer's office is accompanied with notes determining its distribution, said Smith.

A letter was approved to send to Steven E. Hadegen, Federal Emergency Management Agency Regional Environmental Officer regarding the Draft Programmatic Agreement for Colorado. Several questions were presented and the conclusion of the letter requested that Otero County would like to be a consulting party for the Programmatic Agreement. The questions concerned the Santa Fe Trail view shed, the designation of liaisons not associated with the State Historic Office, the input of the Certified Local Government regarding historic resources, the criteria for determining Area of Potential Effect and the process for emergency demolition and debris removal.

County Administrator Jean Hinkle presented the sales tax report. The February receipts are up 2.16 percent from last year's receipts.

Wendy Andrade, newly elected Prowers County Commissioner, spent the day with the Otero County Commissioners observing the procedures of county government in Otero. She thanked the commissioners for their help.

Commissioner James Baldwin reported that SAGE is still operating in the black, gradually building back the meal count with addition of days of service.

Commissioner Kevin Karney showed the final Regional Water Conservation Plan book. This plan is a necessary component for the start of the construction of the Conduit. It is available for perusal in the commissioners' office, second floor, Otero County Courthouse. This is not the Environmental Impact Study, due out in June, now delayed to August at the request of persons who wish to relocate the flow of water from Pueblo Reservoir to the northern outlet. Karney said the switch will make no difference to the Conduit flow.

Commissioner Keith Goodwin reported that the La Junta Housing Corporation, which manages Golden Maple and Morningside Heights, has four vacancies, two each, with 28 on the waiting list. Finances are doing well. With some money in reserve, replacement and repair work is under way. Golden Maple has paid off the mortgage and is looking at renovating. Goodwin also reported on the Meloneer Apartments in Rocky Ford. The city helped out with storage for materials where they can be accurately inventoried and checked in and out. Grand opening is planned for August.